Cleaning cart

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/838,463, filed Jun. 24, 2013 and is a continuation of Ser. No. 29/478,334, filed on Jan. 3, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is related to cleaning carts that have improved ease of use, reduced noise when moving, improved passage through narrow openings, and prevents leaks of dirt and debris on tools held by the cart.

2. Description of Related Art

Cleaning carts, namely carts used by cleaning personnel to transport cleaning chemicals, cleaning tools, trash collection, and various supplies are currently in use. Such carts are used in industrial and commercial cleaning environments such as, but not limited hotels, schools, office buildings, and the like.

It has been determined by the present disclosure that such prior art cleaning carts can be difficult for the operator to use, can be noisy when moving, can be difficult to move through narrow openings, and can allow dirt and debris from tools stored on the cart to leak or drop onto clean surfaces.

Accordingly, there is a need for cleaning carts that overcome, alleviate, and/or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned and other deleterious effects of prior art carts.

SUMMARY

A cleaning cart is provided that includes a base, a plurality of wheels and a storage region depending from the base, and a bucket restraining device. The base has a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front wall, the base having at least one portion configured to receive a bucket thereon. The bucket restraining device has a lateral restraining wall and a rear restraining wall that cooperate to define a first restraining region and a second restraining region. The first restraining region is defined by the first side wall, the front wall, the lateral restraining wall, and a portion of the rear restraining wall. The second restraining region is defined by the second side wall, the front wall, the lateral restraining wall, and a different portion of rear restraining wall.

A cleaning cart is also provided that includes a base and a plurality of wheels and a storage region depending from the base. The storage region has a main region with a first width and the base has a second width. The second width is larger than the first width to define a gutter on at least opposing sides of the storage region. In some embodiments, the gutter is further defined in front of the storage region.

A cleaning cart is also provided that includes a base, a plurality of wheels and a storage region depending from the base, and a plurality of tool holder openings, and a tool holder. The plurality of tool holder openings are on the base and the tool holder is removably securable in any one of the plurality of tool holder openings.

The above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a top, side perspective view of a cleaning cart according to the present disclosure;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a first side view of the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a second, opposite side view of the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a front view of the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a rear view of the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>a </i>is a top view of the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>b </i>is a view of a mop bucket in a first restraining region;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>c </i>is a view of a mop bucket in a first restraining region

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a top, side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a cleaning cart according to the present disclosure having tools thereon;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a close up view of a sign holder portion of the cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> without signs loaded thereon;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a close up view of the sign holder portion of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> having two signs loaded thereon;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a close up rear view of a dust pan holder portion of the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> having a dust pan stored therein;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a close up front view of a dust pan holder portion of the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> having a dust pan stored therein;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a close up view of a first tool clip for use with the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a close up view of a tool holder opening for use with the tool clip of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a close up view of a tool clip for use with the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15</figref><i>a </i>and <b>15</b><i>b </i>are close up views of a tool clip for use with the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> before and during use, respectively;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16</figref><i>a </i>and <b>16</b><i>b </i>are close up views of another tool clip for use with the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> before and during use, respectively;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17</figref><i>a </i>and <b>17</b><i>b </i>are close up views of another tool clip for use with the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> before and during use, respectively;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18</figref><i>a</i>, <b>18</b><i>b</i>, and <b>18</b><i>c </i>are close up views of other tool clips for use with the cleaning cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref><i>a</i>, <b>19</b><i>b</i>, and <b>19</b><i>c </i>are views of a soft storage bag and a trash receptacle that are interchangeably used with the cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, respectively;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20</figref><i>a </i>and <b>20</b><i>b </i>are views of a trash receptacle connector of cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, before and during use, respectively;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21</figref><i>a</i>, <b>21</b><i>b</i>, and <b>21</b><i>c </i>are views of a first embodiment of a trash receptacle for use with the cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22</figref><i>a</i>, <b>22</b><i>b</i>, and <b>22</b><i>c </i>are views of a second embodiment of a trash receptacle for use with the cart of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and in particular to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 through 6</figref>, a first exemplary embodiment of a cleaning cart according to the present disclosure is shown and is generally referred to by reference numeral <b>10</b>.

The cart <b>10</b> has a base <b>12</b> with a storage region <b>14</b>. The storage region <b>14</b> includes a number of holders <b>16</b>, which allows the user to store and transport cleaning tools and/or supplies (not shown) on the cart <b>10</b>. The storage region <b>14</b> also has a number of shelves <b>18</b> for storage of cleaning supplies and the like. The base <b>12</b> has a set of front wheels <b>20</b> and a set of rear wheels <b>22</b>. The base <b>12</b> is defined by a floor <b>24</b>, a set of side walls <b>26</b>, <b>28</b> and a front/back walls <b>30</b>. The floor <b>24</b> slopes toward one of walls <b>30</b>, preferably the front wall. In this way, the base <b>12</b> can capture or collect any fluid or dirt for easy cleaning. In some embodiments, cart <b>10</b> can include a removable drain plug at or near wall <b>30</b> to allow collected fluid to be drained from the cart, as well as to increase the ease of cleaning the cart.

In some embodiments, cart <b>10</b> has been configured so that the width W₁of a main portion of the storage region <b>14</b> is less than the width W₂of the base <b>12</b>. The effect of this configuration is twofold.

First, the configuration of cart <b>10</b> allows any tool or supply held by holders <b>16</b> to remain primarily within the footprint of base <b>12</b>. Stated another way, this configuration ensures that the widest part of cart <b>10</b> is base <b>12</b> even when tools and supplies are secured by holders <b>16</b>. It has been determined by the present disclosure that prior art carts secure the tools and supplies on the outermost width, which results in problems trying to get those carts through doorways, elevator doors, and other narrow passageways. In contrast, cart <b>10</b> ensures that the widest part of the cart is base <b>12</b>, even when tools and supplies are secured thereto, to allow ease of passage through doorways and other narrow passageways.

Second, the configuration of cart <b>10</b> results in a gutter <b>32</b> being formed at the base <b>12</b> between the storage region <b>14</b> and the side walls <b>26</b>, <b>28</b>. The gutter <b>32</b> is best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>a. </i>

Since the tools are secured to the holders <b>16</b> over this gutter <b>32</b>, any dirt, water, or other debris that comes off the tools is captured in the gutter. This has been found to be particularly important by the present disclosure since, as the cart is moved around in normal use, it has been determined that the resultant vibration of the tools has a tendency to shake loose the dirt, water, or other debris, which is captured by gutter <b>32</b> to reduce the possibility of dirt or debris from getting on the floor. Preferably, gutter <b>32</b> is sloped in a desired direction such as towards wheels <b>20</b> to collect the dirt and debris in a desired region of base <b>12</b>.

Additionally, cart <b>10</b> has been configured so that the width W₃of a rear portion of the storage region <b>14</b> is wider that the main portion width W₁but is smaller than the width W₂of the base <b>12</b>. More specifically, the rear portion of the storage region <b>14</b> extends in an opposite direction from the base <b>12</b> and is generally the region where a trash bag or soft storage compartment (described in detail below with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19 and 20</figref>) can be secured to the cart, both of which benefit from the additional width afforded by width W₃.

Cart <b>10</b> can include a push rail <b>80</b> at a rear end thereof and an upper rail <b>82</b> at storage region <b>14</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 6</figref>. Push rail <b>80</b> allows a user to maneuver or steer cart <b>10</b> as desired. Upper rail <b>82</b> forms an upper edge to the upper most shelf <b>18</b> to assist in keeping taller bottles or supplied in the car. Additionally, upper rail <b>82</b> extends forward from storage region <b>14</b> in the direction of front wall <b>30</b>. It has been determined by the present disclosure that in this extended position, the upper rail <b>82</b> can be used by the operator pull the cart such as is typically required when passing through a door way that is being held open by the operator. Thus in this embodiment upper rail <b>82</b> further defines a pull handle for the cart <b>10</b>.

Cart <b>10</b> is a modular cart in that tool holders <b>16</b> can be moved to different locations to suit the needs of the user and the tools and/or supplies with which the cart is used. It has been found that the modular configuration of cart <b>10</b> allows the user to ensure that the tools are securely retained on cart <b>10</b> with minimal noise or rattling when the cart is moved. An unintended consequence of configuring cart <b>10</b> with the width W₁of the storage region <b>14</b> less than the width W₂of the base <b>12</b> is a reduction in storage space for supplies. Advantageously, the modular configuration of cart <b>10</b> allows the user to recapture storage space by allowing the user to configure the cart <b>10</b> and its holders <b>16</b> in a manner that maximizes the usable space for their particular set of tools and supplies.

Turning now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 through 11</figref>, cart <b>10</b> is shown in use with various tools and/or cleaning supplies <b>34</b>. Additionally, cart <b>10</b> includes a sloped region <b>36</b> defined at wheels <b>22</b>, which assists in guiding fluid and debris from the tools into gutter <b>32</b> as well as not allowing the debris to go off the back of the cart. Here, it can clearly be seen that all of the tools and supplies <b>34</b> remain substantially within the footprint of base <b>12</b> so that the widest part of cart <b>10</b> is base <b>12</b> even when tools and supplies are secured by holders <b>16</b>.

The tools and/or cleaning supplies <b>34</b> used in combination with cart <b>10</b> can further include a mop bucket <b>56</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6</figref><i>a</i>, <b>6</b><i>b</i>, <b>6</b><i>c</i>, and <b>7</b>.

In order to mitigate movement of mop bucket <b>56</b> on cart <b>10</b>, the cart can include a tool holder <b>16</b> in the form of a bucket retaining device <b>58</b>, best illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>a</i>. Bucket retaining device <b>58</b> is configured to restrain wheels <b>60</b> of mop bucket <b>56</b>.

Specifically, retaining device <b>58</b> includes portions of side walls <b>26</b>, <b>28</b>, front wall <b>30</b>, a rear restraining wall <b>62</b> (shown in sections), and a lateral restraining wall <b>64</b>.

As such, restraining device <b>58</b> forms a first restraining region <b>66</b> formed by side wall <b>28</b>, front wall <b>30</b>, lateral restraining wall <b>64</b>, and a portion of rear restraining wall <b>62</b>. First restraining region <b>66</b> is sized and positioned to receive both front wheels <b>60</b> of bucket <b>56</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>b</i>. In this position, the mop press handle <b>68</b> extends towards side wall <b>26</b> in a manner that mitigates extension of the handle from the footprint of base <b>12</b>.

Additionally, restraining device <b>58</b> forms a second restraining region <b>70</b> formed by side wall <b>26</b>, front wall <b>30</b>, lateral restraining wall <b>64</b>, and a different portion of rear restraining wall <b>62</b>. Second restraining region <b>70</b> is sized and positioned to receive only one of the front wheels <b>60</b> of bucket <b>56</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>c</i>. In this position, the mop press handle <b>68</b> extends towards side wall <b>28</b> in a manner that mitigates extension of the handle from the footprint of base <b>12</b>.

Rear restraining wall <b>62</b> can have any desired configuration sufficient to form the first and second restraining regions <b>66</b>, <b>70</b>. For example, wall <b>62</b> is shown as having two sections. However, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for wall <b>62</b> to be a single, unitary wall or to have more than two sections.

Additionally, lateral restraining wall <b>64</b> is shown as being positioned in a single location. However, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for lateral restraining wall <b>64</b> to be movable to increase or decrease the size of restraining regions <b>66</b>, <b>70</b>, respectively, as needed to accommodate buckets <b>56</b> of differing sizes. Thus in some embodiments, cart <b>10</b> is configured so that the position of lateral restraining wall <b>64</b> can be adjusted to constrain buckets of differing sizes. Wall <b>64</b> is movable by the end user within one or more slots or protrusions incorporated into the mating walls to configure cart <b>10</b> to work with buckets having different sized wheels. Additionally, wall <b>64</b> can be removably held in place in a press, snap, interference, or friction fit manner.

Cart <b>10</b> is configured for use with holders <b>16</b> of various configurations to hold different types of tools and supplies. Generally, cart <b>10</b> and holders <b>16</b> have cooperating connectors that allow the holders to be removably placed at any desired location on the cart. In some embodiments, the tool holders <b>16</b> can also have an extended surface <b>73</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref><i>a</i>) with a label, icon and/or name of the tool that the holder is configured to hold such that when the tool holder is moved to another location on the cart <b>10</b> the label, icon and/or name of the tool is automatically relocated with the tool holder. Alternately, the label, icon and/or name of the tool that the holder is configured to hold can be separate from holder <b>16</b>, but can be moved to any location on cart <b>10</b>.

For example, a first type of holder <b>16</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref>, where the holder is a sign holder portion <b>40</b> of the cart. The sign holder portion <b>40</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> without signs loaded thereon and in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> with two signs <b>42</b> loaded thereon.

A second type of holder <b>16</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>, where the holder is a dust pan holder portion <b>44</b>. The dust pan holder portion <b>44</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref><i>b </i>having a dust pan <b>46</b> stored therein.

Another type of holder <b>16</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 7</figref>, where the holder is a mop handle holder portion <b>48</b>. The mop handle holder portion <b>48</b> is shown <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> without a mop handle <b>50</b>, but is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> with the mop handle <b>50</b> received therein. Mop holder portion <b>48</b> is shown as being formed in an upper rail <b>82</b> of cart <b>10</b>. However, it is also contemplated for mop holder portion <b>48</b> to be separate from the hand rail portion. Here, the mop holder portion <b>48</b> can be connected to one or more openings <b>54</b> in the manner described in more detail below.

Still another type of holder <b>16</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. Here, the holder is a clip style holder having a locking member <b>52</b> that is received in an opening <b>54</b> in the cart <b>10</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>.

In the illustrated embodiment, opening <b>54</b> is a dovetail shaped opening in which a corresponding reverse dovetail shaped portion of holder <b>16</b> is received in a press, snap, interference, or friction fit manner. Of course, other types of connection are contemplated. Locking member <b>52</b>, when present, is resiliently biased to an outer position that is larger than the opening <b>54</b>. During installation or removal, opening <b>54</b> acts on the locking member <b>52</b> to deflect the locking member to allow the holder <b>16</b> to be inserted into the opening. Upon releasing the locking member <b>52</b> when fully installed, it returns under its own resilence to its unbiased position securing the locking member in place. Upon removal, the user can deflect the locking member <b>52</b> to allow the locking member to be withdrawn from opening <b>54</b>. It should be recognized that locking member <b>52</b> is described above by way of example as requiring deflection to unlock/install. Of course other configurations for member <b>52</b> that lock holder <b>16</b> in opening <b>54</b> are contemplated by the present disclosure.

For example, it should be recognized that opening <b>54</b> is illustrated by way of example only as being perpendicular to the floor. However, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for openings <b>54</b> to be perpendicular to the floor, parallel to the floor, any angle in relation to the floor, and any combinations thereof.

The opening <b>54</b> can be molded directly into cart <b>10</b>, can be attached by any desired method to the cart, and combinations thereof. Moreover, it should be recognized that opening <b>54</b> is described by way of example only as having a dovetail shape. Of course, any complimentary shape of opening <b>54</b> and holder <b>16</b> are contemplated by the present disclosure.

In this manner, holder <b>16</b> can be lockably secured in opening <b>54</b> as desired. In this embodiment, holder <b>16</b> can be made of any resiliently flexible material such as, but not limited to, polyoxymethylene (POM).

In some embodiments, cart <b>10</b> is configured so that openings <b>54</b> have a common spacing between adjacent openings. In this manner, holders <b>16</b> can be configured that span and be connected with more than one opening <b>54</b>.

Tool holder <b>16</b> is shown in the embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> in use with a tool <b>34</b>.

Still another type of holder <b>15</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15</figref><i>a </i>and <b>15</b><i>b</i>. Here, the holder is a hose retaining device <b>67</b>, shown before insertion of a hose <b>69</b>.

It has been determined by the present disclosure that certain types of cleaning tools, such as that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16</figref><i>a </i>and <b>16</b><i>b </i>are best held using a combination of tool holders. Thus, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16</figref><i>a </i>and <b>16</b><i>b </i>a combination of tool retaining devices <b>72</b> and <b>74</b> are shown before use, during tool installation, and after tool installation, respectively. Here, the bottom device <b>74</b> acts as a vertical support surface while the top device <b>72</b> acts as a horizontal retainer for the tool to make it easier for the user to insert the tool into the holder with one hand, as well as to prevent the tool from sliding down the tool holder. The embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16</figref><i>a </i>and <b>16</b><i>b </i>illustrate multiple tool holders that are positioned at different vertical levels on cart <b>10</b>. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for the multiple tool holders to be at different horizontal positions, different vertical positions, and any combinations thereof.

Another type of holder <b>16</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17</figref><i>a </i>and <b>17</b><i>b</i>. Here, the holder is a bottle retaining device <b>76</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref><i>a </i>before insertion of a bottle <b>78</b> and in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref><i>b </i>after insertion of the bottle.

Still another type of holder <b>16</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18</figref><i>a </i>through <b>18</b><i>c</i>. Here, the holder is a shelf <b>79</b>. As discussed above, an unintended consequence of the configuring of cart <b>10</b> is the reduction in storage space for supplies. Advantageously, shelf <b>79</b> can be positioned as desired on the cart to recapture at least some of the lost storage space. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref><i>a</i>, shelf <b>79</b> has a single dovetail shaped portion that mates in opening <b>54</b>, while in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 18</figref><i>b </i>and <b>18</b><i>c </i>the shelf <b>79</b> has two dovetail shaped portions that mate with two openings <b>54</b>. It should be recognized that it is contemplated by the present disclosure for any of the tool holders <b>16</b> disclosed herein to have any desired number of dovetail shaped portions that mate with a corresponding number of openings <b>54</b>.

Cart <b>10</b> is illustrated in use with a soft storage bag <b>90</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref><i>a </i>and <b>19</b><i>c </i>and in use with a trash receptacle <b>90</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref><i>b</i>. Cart <b>10</b> is configured to interchangeably receive the soft storage bag <b>90</b> or the trash receptacle <b>92</b>, as needed.

In some embodiments, soft storage bag <b>90</b> can be configured with a small trash receptacle incorporated therein such as on an upper portion or a lower portion, which allows the combination of storage and trash functionality, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref><i>c. </i>

The trash receptacle <b>92</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref><i>b </i>can be configured to receive trash directly therein. However in other embodiments, trash receptacle <b>92</b> can receive a disposable trash bag (not shown) therein for receipt of the trash. It has been determined by the present disclosure that during removal of a bag full of trash from receptacle <b>92</b>, the receptacle can in prior art carts be disconnected from the cart.

Advantageously, cart <b>10</b> includes a connection that prevents the receptacle <b>92</b> from becoming undesirably disconnected from the cart during removal of trash bags as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20</figref><i>a </i>and <b>20</b><i>b</i>. This connection also finds use with bag <b>90</b> so that the bag and receptacle <b>92</b> are interchangeable.

Here, cart <b>10</b> includes a number of elongated tabs <b>94</b> that have both an upper arm <b>96</b>-<b>1</b> and a lower arm <b>96</b>-<b>2</b>. Further, receptacle <b>92</b> has an eyelet <b>98</b> in which one of the tabs <b>94</b> is received. It has been determined by the present disclosure that the combination of the elongated tabs <b>92</b>, with upper and lower arms <b>96</b>-<b>1</b>, <b>96</b>-<b>2</b>, in combination with eyelet <b>98</b> mitigate instances where the forces induced on the connection are sufficient to dislodge receptacle <b>92</b> from cart <b>10</b> during removal of full trash bags from the receptacle. Eyelet <b>98</b> can be elongated or ovoid as shown, or can have any desired shape such as but not limited to circular, rectangular, square, and others.

It should be recognized that tabs <b>94</b> are shown and described above by way of example only as having elongated arms at the upper and lower ends. It is also contemplated by the present disclosure for tabs <b>94</b> to have elongated arms at one or more sides in addition to or instead of at the upper and lower sides as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 through 6</figref>.

In some instances, the user may want to configure cart <b>10</b> without mop bucket <b>56</b>. Here, the user may wish to install the soft storage bag of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> but also provide a trash receptacle. Thus, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20 and 21</figref> illustrate alternate embodiments for installing a trash receptacle <b>100</b> on cart <b>10</b> instead of bucket <b>56</b>.

In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21</figref><i>a</i>, <b>21</b><i>b</i>, and <b>21</b><i>c</i>, cart <b>10</b> includes a trash receptacle holder <b>102</b>. Holder <b>102</b> releasably mates with opening <b>54</b> in the manner discussed above. Holder <b>102</b> includes a pair of locking holes <b>104</b>. In use, the user places trash receptacle <b>100</b> on base <b>12</b> behind rear restraining wall <b>62</b> and secures an upper open end of the receptacle to cart <b>10</b> using an elastic cord <b>106</b>, commonly known as a bungle cord, by securing ends <b>108</b> of the cord <b>106</b> to locking holes.

In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22</figref><i>a</i>, <b>22</b><i>b</i>, and <b>22</b><i>c</i>, cart <b>10</b> includes a trash receptacle holder <b>112</b>. Holder <b>112</b> also releasably mates with opening <b>54</b> in the manner discussed above. Holder <b>112</b> includes a pair of strap holes <b>114</b>. In use, the user places trash receptacle <b>100</b> on base <b>12</b> behind rear restraining wall <b>62</b> and secures an upper open end of the receptacle to cart <b>10</b> using a tightenable strap <b>116</b> by securing ends <b>118</b> of the strap to one another.

Advantageously, cart <b>10</b>—through the incorporation of openings <b>54</b> and the various tool holders <b>16</b>—allow the cart to be customized to each particular use and set of tools for that particular use.

It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the entire disclosure.